? By N/A (ajrocchio@hotmail.com)
? Rating: PG-13 for language
Category: Other Stories
Disclaimers: The characters of Roswell belong to the WB, among others, but apparently I need to keep borrowing them.
Summary: “The difficulty in life is the choice.” - George Moore
Author’s note/soapbox: I wouldn’t bother reading this without checking out the previous stories to my alternate Roswell universe first: “Dealing”, “Lost Treasures”, “Prepare Yourself” (Dealing trilogy); “Attitude”, “Plan C”, “The Spin Cycle” (Tess trilogy); “Nuts”, “Wraiths of D’Spayre”, and “What’s Your Favor?” (Revelations trilogy); “…and The End is linked to The Beginning” (a cliffhanger); and “!” (Choices trilogy, Part 1). All books referenced in this fic are used only out of love and admiration for the authors (Lucy Maud Montgomery, Shel Silverstein, and William Goldman) and their stories.
***
(Scene: Hospital Hallway. Maria exits the elevator carrying a small paper bag and Liz’s backpack over her shoulder. She heads down the hallway and enters a room. Jeff and Nancy Parker look up from their daughter as Maria enters. Maria walks over to Nancy and they share a hug. After a few moments Jeff puts his arm around Nancy and they exit the room. Maria settles down into a chair next to Liz’s bed. She looks at Liz and lets out a deep sigh. After looking around the room to make sure that her parent’s are gone, Maria starts…)
Music: Indigo Girls - The Girl With The Weight Of The World In Her Hands
Maria: Okay, babe, we need to do some major talking…I mean Alex is great and all but…first, he’s a guy, and second, well…he’s a guy. And you and me…we have some serious ass kicking to do…So I really, *really* need you to wake up and help me out here - I can’t do this by myself, Lizzie…(letting out a sigh) I need you. I mean, you’re the one who got me into this in the first place…okay, okay, technically I got myself into this but still…you can’t just leave me here…(she leans forward and with an added tinge of desperation) I don’t know what to do. (Slowly letting her gaze fall, then quickly looking up) If you wake up now I promise to forgive you for doing this to me…after I give you a piece of my mind for doing this to me. I mean, (standing up and holding her hands - palms up, fingers splayed - to Liz) have you forgotten who you are…you’re Liz Parker - calm, collected, scientifically minded, always practical and very rational. I’m the wacky sidekick who suffers from serious bouts of questionable sanity and is prone to overly dramatic moments (abruptly ending her trek around the perimeter of the hospital bed and focusing on Liz again). Don’t you think this coma is a little much for you? And if you’re the one doing the dramatics that means I have to be rational - we’re talking about me - I don’t *do* rational and I really don’t do calm in situations like this…so I really need you to snap out of this…(tears brimming)…so I can be me. (She stares at Liz for a few moments and then brushes the tears away with her hand.) We’ve been friends for so long that I don’t know who I would be without you - and I don’t ever want to know. Please, I need to talk to you…I need to hear you tell me that this is going to be okay…god, I need you to wake up. I’m begging you…(catching sight of the paper bag on the table next to the bed she walks back to the chair and sitting down reaches for it) you know, I’m not above blackmail…(taking a half-pint of ice cream out of the bag) or bribery. It’s your favorite…you’re not gonna make me eat all this myself, are you? (She looks away from Liz to the window, lets out a sigh, and then opens up the vanilla ice cream and takes a couple of bites) Do you remember the first time we had sundaes? (Smiling at remembering) I’ll never forget it. It was the first day of second grade and Paulie was terrorizing…who was it…Cynthia Ramsey…trying to lift up her skirt or something…like I’m gonna let him get away with that…and when I came out of the principal’s office you, you were waiting for me. And you took my hand and told your dad that I was the defender of all the girls in school and that I deserved to be rewarded instead of punished. So he took us to the Crashdown for sundaes. (Fighting back tears) You were a gift, you know that…’cause…um…then my dad left and I…I don’t know what I would have done without you…just like I don’t know what to do now…I need you…I really need you, Lizzie. (She pauses taking several deep breaths while fighting back tears) I brought you something…(reaching into Liz’s backpack she pulls out a bunch of books of varying sizes)…they’re your favorites…and of course you know which one we’re gonna read first.
(Maria sets the books down on the table next to the bed and then takes the top one…getting comfortable in the chair she looks over at Liz and then begins reading.)
(Scene: Sheriff’s Station, random room. Sheriff Valenti puts a videotape into the VCR attached to a large screen television. Sitting down, he pushes play on the remote. It’s fuzzy for a few seconds and then what comes on the screen is the Del Norte Twin Theater lobby and entrance. The Sheriff furrows his brow and leans forward in his chair. After a few moments of nothing, a small group of people walk into the lobby followed by Maria, Michael, Liz, and Max. Liz and Max exit the theater…the Sheriff puts the tape into slow motion and scoots closer to the t.v. In slow motion the back end of a car drives into the left-hand corner of the t.v., a shot is fired and then Liz falls to the ground. The camera refocuses for a close up of Max opening Liz’s shirt. The Sheriff hits the rewind button and watches the scene right before the shot again. He rewinds the tape again, pushing pause he gets up and leaves the room quickly. He promptly returns with a folder. Sitting down he takes out some pictures from the folder and quickly flips through them. Holding up a picture of the back end of Agent Cooper’s black sedan, he looks from the picture to the television and then back at the picture. Pushing play he watches as the license plate of the car comes into view in the left-hand corner of the t.v. screen. He pushes pause again and looks down at the picture he’s holding.)
Valenti: I’ll be damned.
(The door opens and Deputy Blackwood enters)
Deputy: Ballistics report is here.
Valenti (not looking away from the television): And I bet I know what it says.
(Scene: UFO Center. Max, looking like shit, is putting on his name badge and is about to walk up the stairs to the main office when Milton stops him, coming down the stairs.)
Milton (surprised): Evans! What are you doing here?
Max (sounding very tired): Work…I still work here, right?
Milton: Not today you don’t.
Max (confused): Is it Sunday?
Milton: Max, I read about the shooting in the paper. Didn’t you get my message? I don’t expect you to work at all this week.
Max (letting out a sigh): I was just looking for something to…do.
Milton (looks at him intently): Evans…your focus and determination is constantly reminding me of myself when I was your age. But Max, you don’t want to be me when you’re my age. It’s a lonely world out there. Now get out of here and over to the hospital…I don’t want to see you for at least a week.
Max (realizing there is no way Milton will relent): Thanks, Milton.
Milton: Just take good care of her.
(Max turns to leave. Milton furrows his brow and watches very intently as Max makes his way out of the Center. Milton turns around and heads back up the stairs to the office. Quickly entering, he heads to the computer and begins shutting it down. He grabs his coat, and a few things from the printer. As he’s about to leave he makes a sweeping glance back over the room. His eyes stop and focus on the sleeping form of another Milton in the corner of the room. Nasedo Milton leaves and walks down the stairs. He rounds an isolated corner of the museum looking like a totally different person and heads for a back exit.)
(Scene: Alex’s Bedroom. Alex is at his computer researching ‘comas’ on the internet. Behind him on his bed are stacks of papers - printed out from his computer…a real mess. There’s a knock on his door.)
Music (on Alex’s stereo): Foo Fighters - Big Me
Alex (not looking up from the computer): Mom, I really can’t handle another cry-fest right now…yesterday wiped me out. (He looks up to see Isabel standing in the doorway - under his breath) Rewind and erase. (She comes into the room and shuts the door) I don’t suppose there’s any chance you *didn’t* hear that?
Isabel: Alex, my brother’s a walking box of Kleenex, you can’t possibly cry more than he has.
Alex: Right.
Isabel (looking a little uncomfortable): I need to ask you something.
Alex (looking at her a little surprised): Shoot…(cringing at what he just said)…never mind.
Isabel (looking over at the bed): Can I sit down?
Alex (starting out of the chair he’s sitting in): Yeah, sorry…(he picks up piles of papers off the bed. Isabel helps him by grabbing a few and pauses to look at them. They are printouts of adoption agencies and lawyers that handle adoptions in the Albuquerque area. She furrows her brow a little but Alex grabs the sheets from her hands) Thanks…here…have a seat.
Isabel (coming back to where she is and what she’s here for): Oh, thanks. (She sits down and Alex is sitting in the computer chair in front of her looking at her intently) Um…you said something to me a while ago…when you first took me to ‘the spot.’ (Alex nods like he’s trying to remember) It’s sort of been bugging me and I wanted you to explain it.
Alex (hesitantly, still not knowing what this is about): Okay.
Isabel (hesitantly herself): We were talking about Liz and Max and I said…I said that at least Max chose well…and you said it wasn’t a choice. What did you mean by that?
Alex (letting out a sigh of relief): I’m a firm fate believer, Isabel. There are things that happen for reasons that we just can’t explain or understand. We choose a lot of things in life…but I think the really big things…they choose us. And I think that’s what happened to Max and Liz…and really all of us.
Isabel: So you think it was fate.
Alex: What are the odds of Max being in the Crashdown that day?
Isabel: Considering his attraction to the staff…pretty good.
Alex: But even that…of all the people for Max to be drawn to…he *chooses* Liz - I don’t think so. I mean, can you imagine Pam Troy’s reaction to your secret?
Isabel (smiling at the thought): No but I can imagine what my reaction to him saving *her* would’ve been.
Alex (smiles): I’m just saying that there’s a reason that the three of you found the three of us.
Isabel: Alex, you know we can’t be anything…
Alex: I’m not talking about coupling convenience…(smiling) though you have to admit it is oddly (Isabel gives him a ‘look’ - abruptly cutting him off)…well it is…but…I’m talking about everything we’ve been able to help you find out about yourselves.
Isabel: But what’s in it for you?
Alex: I can’t speak for Liz and Maria - not that I think I couldn’t…it’s pretty clear what they get…well, it was…
Isabel: And you?
Alex: Me? I get about 4 felony convictions…and…uh…I get to know you.
Isabel: Alex…
Alex: Look, Isabel…I’m not kidding myself…I’m me and you’re you and never the twain shall meet. But I do get to know you and see you in a way that no one else does. And that’s what I get out of this…doing what I can to help you…to help my friends.
Isabel (looking away from him): Alex, there’s something I need to tell you…about the shooting.
Alex (matter-of-factly): It wasn’t an accident.
Isabel (looks over at him surprised): How’d you know?
Alex: I had my suspicions at the hospital…the way Max reacted made me think he knew something I didn’t…and then yesterday Maria told me that’s what Michael thought. (Shaking his head) It makes sense when you think about it…I guess…
Isabel: Look, Alex, now’s the time to get out.
Alex: What?
Isabel: I don’t know how much more dangerous this is going to get and I can’t guarantee your safety…If you want out, I won’t be mad…I can’t really blame you…
Alex (interrupting her): Isabel…Isabel…if I wanted out I’d be gone by now. I sort of forced my way into this secret…threatening Liz in jail may have gotten me in…but I decided to stay. And besides…by my calculations I’m already due to serve 25 years in a state prison…what’s a few more?
Isabel: This is serious, Alex.
Alex: You don’t think I know that every time I look at Liz in that hospital bed?
Isabel (looking away from him): I’m sorry.
Alex: It’s too late to turn back now…I just hope Max realizes that…or she’s never gonna wake up. (Alex looks over at the clock) Which reminds me…duty calls.
Isabel: Duty?
Alex: Maria and I are reading some of Liz’s favorite books to her…she’s gotta work at the Crashdown tonight so I’m taking over for her in…about five minutes ago. (He gets up and starts getting some things together.)
Isabel (standing up and thoughtfully): Maria has to work?
Alex: Yeah, the Parkers can’t afford to close the Crashdown so she’s helping them out with some extra shifts…You aren’t going by the hospital, are you?
Isabel (distracted): Um no…I mean, yeah, if you need a lift.
Alex: Beats bikin’ it. (They make their way to the door)
Isabel (before they exit the room): Alex.
Alex (turning to look back at her): Yeah?
Isabel: Thank you.
Alex (he pauses): No need…come on…I fear the wrath of DeLuca. (Isabel smiles at him and leaves the room.)
(Scene: The dream between living and dying. Liz and River Dog are sitting around a fire and surrounded by hundreds of silvery ‘alien’ symbols shinning in the darkness. Liz is just taking them all in while River Dog watches her intently.)
Liz (not looking at River Dog, softly): He hasn’t come yet…
River Dog: Did you think he would?
Liz (sounding a little hurt): No…I guess I didn’t.
River Dog: Was he deserving?
Liz (looking at him confused): Deserving?
River Dog: Your trust…it shouldn’t be given lightly…I warned you.
Liz (looking away): Are you speaking from experience?
River Dog (smiling at her): Ah…this is not about me…I’ve made my choices. You must make yours.
Liz (shaking her head and getting frustrated): What choices…to live or die…to let go or hold on…what am I here for?
River Dog (looking around at the symbols): Do you want this…(motioning with his hand to the symbols)…this burden, this obligation…this…secret?
Liz (frustrated): I don’t have a choice. (Her face falls as soon as she says it. She quickly looks over at River Dog, who raises his eyebrow and slightly nods his head. She sort of chokes on her breath and looks away, not really knowing what to say.)
River Dog: Here…everything is a choice. What you take with you when you wake from this place…is up to you.
Liz (looking at the symbols, hesitantly and shaky): I…I could forget…him?
River Dog: You can leave here with what you want.
Liz: I don’t…understand.
River Dog: You brought yourself here because within you there are doubts. Only you know what those doubts are and only you can decide if you want to leave them here. (Looking at her intently) Are you waiting for him to come…to make the choice for you? (Liz shifts nervously and avoids his eyes) He cannot help you. He won’t come until you choose…and even then, he still may not come.
Liz (surprised): What?
River Dog (after staring at her, almost staring through her, for a while): You’re afraid of what these mean…(indicating the symbols)…of where they may lead…(after another long pause) And you’re afraid that he’s left you…and so you wonder if you shouldn’t leave him…here. (She meets his gaze and they just stare at each other.)
(Scene: Liz’s Hospital Room. Maria has finished the ice cream and is sitting comfortably in the chair reading aloud to Liz. Alex quietly opens the door and enters the room.)
Alex: How’s Sleeping Beauty?
Maria (looking up from the book and then over to Liz): Sleeping beautifully…(adding under her breath)…and still waiting for Prince Charming to get his sorry ass here and wake her up.
Alex (lets out a soft laugh but it’s short-lived as he reflects on the truth of Maria’s comment. Maria shifts in her chair and Alex notices the book she’s holding): Whatcha reading?
Maria: Anne of Green Gables.
Alex: I’m not reading that.
Maria: This isn’t about you Alex, this is about Liz…and besides we know you like it.
Alex: Do you know what kind of damage that could do if somebody saw me reading that…and I do not like it.
Maria: Yeah, how many times have we watched the miniseries together?
Alex: That’s just because you make me…okay…and because Anne’s a babe.
Maria (getting out of the chair and handing the book to him): Please…you’re not fooling anybody…sit.
Alex (taking the book and then sitting in the chair): Well, what part are you at?
Maria (smiling at him): Lady of the Lake.
Alex (looking at the book and then over at Liz): She’s gonna get it when she wakes up.
Maria (standing at he door): From me and you both…
Alex (looking at Maria): You doin’ okay?
Maria (letting out a sigh): I’m trying…I just really need her to wake up.
Alex: I know…she will.
(Scene: Crashdown, a little later that night. Maria walks into the back room and puts on her uniform. When she turns around Isabel is standing there, wearing a long black coat and looking a little fidgety.)
Maria: Isabel? What are you doing here…isn’t there some sort of ‘no contact’ rule being enforced?
Isabel: Look, I’m not my brother…and frankly I don’t know what to think about his behavior lately. I just thought that…(looking away from Maria)…you might need some help here. (She looks back over at Maria’s surprised face) And besides, I still have these (she pulls out a pair of antennae from behind her back).
Maria (slightly surprised): You’re here to help?
Isabel: It’s a limited offer…good for possibly the next five seconds.
Maria: I’ll take it - let me get you a uniform.
Isabel (taking off her long coat): Yeah, I still had that too.
Maria (pausing and touched): Thank you.
Isabel: You better save that - there’s a few guys out there who deserve to be wearing their food.
Maria: Well then, let’s go give it to them. (She grabs Isabel’s arm and they walk through the doors to the front.)
-------Fast forward about an hour or so. Music: Sara Hickman - Bowl Full of Stars ---------
Guy at table (to Isabel): I ordered onion, rings not fries.
Isabel (looking down at the plate): Do you have a problem with fries?
Guy (taken aback by Isabel): No…I…uh…just didn’t want them tonight.
Isabel: Did you see the sign in the window…‘voted best burger and *fries* in Roswell’.
Guy: I just really wanted onion rings.
Isabel (letting out a frustrated sigh): Fine. (She grabs the plate away a little forcefully and walks to the order window…Maria, watching the exchange, walks past the guy’s table)
Maria (to the guy): She’s new…(She walks over to Isabel) Are you like trying for the smallest tips award or something?
Isabel: No…people are just so damn picky…fries, onion rings…the body doesn’t distinguish which fatty fried foods clog its arteries.
Maria (looking at her with a raised eyebrow): If I remember correctly…you eat here too.
Isabel (grabbing the plate from the counter): Yes, but I look like this…and he looks like that. (Giving Maria a classic ‘look’ and then walking over to the table. Maria shakes her head at Isabel and then notices Kyle walking toward her.)
Maria: Hey, Kyle.
Kyle (clearly upset): How is she?
Maria (softening her tone and face): I don’t really know, Kyle. The bullet didn’t do much damage but she’s still in a coma.
Kyle: Oh.
Maria: You can see her, you know…I’m sure she’d like someone other than me and Alex harassing her to wake up.
Kyle (looking a little surprised): What about Max?
Maria: It’s a seriously twisted version of a ‘hit and run’…(Kyle just looks at her blankly)…you know, she gets hit and…uh…he runs.
Isabel (over hearing Maria’s comment, under her breath): Ouch.
Maria: If you want to visit her you should…I’m sure she’d like that.
Kyle (still puzzled over Max not visiting Liz): Uh, thanks, Maria. (He turns and walks out of the café.)
(Scene: High-tech Video Electronics Store. The Sheriff walks in and heads for the counter. Seeing the Sheriff enter the man behind the counter goes into the back room and returns holding a couple of videotapes.)
Video Man: Here you go, Sheriff.
Sheriff: You did as I asked?
Video Man: Copied without viewing - just as you asked.
Sheriff (eyeing the Video Man carefully): Which one’s the original?
Video Man (shaking his right hand): This one…it has it written on the label.
Sheriff: No way to tell the difference?
Video Man: Nope…should be identical copies. If you notice any discrepancies bring it back.
Sheriff (taking the tapes): Will do.
(Scene: Liz’s Hospital Room. Alex, sitting in the chair next to Liz’s bed, is reading Anne of Green Gables aloud - not quite fighting it. He’s caught up in the story and doesn’t hear the door open as Kyle sticks his head into the room.)
Kyle: Whitman.
Alex (stops reading and whips his head to the door): Kyle. (He looks down at the book and then quickly throws it behind his back into the chair) What are you doing here?
Kyle (looking at Liz): How is she?
Alex (looks from Liz to Kyle): The doctor says that her wound is healing but they don’t understand why she’s still in the coma.
Kyle: Is she gonna be okay?
Alex (looking sympathetically at Kyle): I think so…she just needs to wake up.
Kyle (looking from Liz to Alex): Where’s Evans? (Alex shoots a concerned look at Liz and then gets out of the chair and walks to Kyle - who’s now just inside the door) Maria said he hasn’t been to visit her.
Alex (in a slightly hushed voice): I think it’s an overactive guilty conscience.
Kyle (in disbelief): So he really hasn’t visited?
Alex (letting out a sigh): Yeah.
Kyle (staring at Liz and under his breath): Son of a bitch.
Alex (watching Kyle’s intent gaze on Liz): Hey look…I’m starting to get hungry here. Do you want to sit with her while I get some food?
Kyle: Where are her parents?
Alex: Church.
Kyle (looks at Alex and then back at Liz, a little reluctantly): Sure…I guess.
Alex (grabbing money from his coat that’s hanging up): You can read to her if you want.
Kyle: What?
Alex (nodding to the pile of books on the table next to the bed): Her favorites…(he smiles at Kyle as he leaves the room) should be something there you’ve read.
(Kyle watches Alex leave and then returns his gaze to Liz. He hesitantly walks over to the chair and sits down. Feeling something he reaches behind his back and pulls out the copy of Anne of Green Gables. He looks at the book and then back at the door and shakes his head.)
Kyle: Whitman, we really need to get you some guy friends. (He looks back at Liz, holding the book in his hand) I was never very good at this stuff, was I? Not that I didn’t sit through enough of these movies with you…but I…I just wasn’t able to (he looks away from her)…share them with you. (He sets the book down on the table and starts perusing the stack of books) The Giving Tree, that’s a good one…my mom used to read that to me. (He finds one and pulls it out holding it in his hand) The Princess Bride…we saw that movie together…do you remember? (he looks up at Liz)…I gave you this book…(shaking his head) I don’t even know why I did…I’d never done anything like that before. But that’s how you were…you know…making me do things or say things that I’d never done before. Maybe if I’d…(he pauses) who am I kidding…you never looked at me the way you do Evans…you want me to kick his ass for not being here…I’d do it. (He flips through the pages of the book looking for one in particular, he finds it and the page is rabbit eared.) Here, you liked this part…
(Scene: Michael’s Apartment, later that evening. Max is sitting on the couch still wearing his work uniform, looking miserable. Michael, sitting in a chair, doesn’t look much better. Isabel, still wearing the Crashdown uniform, comes through the front door.)
Michael (sarcastically): That’s a nice look for you. (Max looks up surprised at Isabel’s outfit.)
Isabel (looking classically ‘Isabel’): I’ve just spent four hours cleaning up other peoples disgusting messes…do you really think I’m in the mood for your shit? (Michael and Max both tense up, realizing that they’re in for something.) And besides, one of us needed to show a little compassion…you two haven’t been the best ambassadors for our people lately.
Michael (standing up really not in the mood for this): Isabel…
Isabel (cutting him off abruptly and very pissy): Shut up, Michael…and sit down. (He complies reluctantly.)
Max: Isabel…
Isabel (whipping around to look at Max): Save it! Who made you the leader of us? And who made you the leader of them too? We need to decide what we’re doing…and we need to decide it together. I’m sorry, Max, that I’ve made you feel like you always have to be in charge - that you’re responsible for taking care of me. It stops now. (Looking over at Michael) And that goes for you too. Running around doing stupid careless things makes him think he’s gotta run after you and fix them. We’ve created that (pointing at Max) and it stops right here…right now.
Max (not sure what to think): I…
Isabel (cutting him off before he can think): Do I look like I’m done?
Michael (defensive): And who made you leader?
Isabel (raising her eyebrow at Michael): Process of elimination, Michael…you two have seriously diminished mental capacity.
Max (finding his tongue again): We have to think about them.
Isabel: HELLO, what the hell do you think I’m doing! You two are the ones who aren’t thinking…
Michael/Max (at the same time): What!
Isabel (looking at Max intently): The girl you’ve been in love with for…ever…has been shot, is sitting in the hospital in a COMA and you haven’t been to visit her! (Clenching her fists and looking like she wants to scream) Do have any idea how…(searching for a word) unbelievably…repulsive your behavior is…
Max (painfully): Isabel…
Isabel: No, Max…do you hear me…she’s in a coma with a gunshot wound to her stomach…
Max (on the edge): Because of me!
Isabel (shaking her head in frustration): She’s alive in the first place because of you…do you remember how this whole thing got started? Do you wish you’d have run away from her then?
Max (looks at Isabel furious at the question): Don’t even…
Isabel: Don’t even what, Max? Can you replay that moment in your mind and instead of running up to Liz…instead can you turn and run away from her? If you couldn’t do it then why the hell are you doing it now?
(Max collapses his head into his hands and Michael saves him)
Michael: Because now they’re shooting at her on purpose…because of us.
Isabel: No, Michael…because of them. (Both Michael and Max look up at her angrily) The last time I checked ‘mind control’ wasn’t one of our powers. Everything they’ve done…they’ve done of their own free will. If they wanted to run…they could have, a long time ago…instead you two are running. And Alex is right - it’s too late. (Michael and Max look away from her and she looks between them.) You know what I think…this is the easiest out for you. (Looking at Max) Liz is a part of you and you’re scared shitless at the thought of losing her…so what better way to not have to think about it, to not have to deal with even the thought of that then to run away from her now. (Looking at Michael) And you…just follow the leader. It’s the perfect out…and you even get to sound noble when you say it’s for their safety…that it’s because you love them so much. (Looking back at Max) You’re lucky Liz’s in a coma and can’t kick your ass for being so selfish…(quickly turning to face Michael) and I’m just waiting for the fireworks to fly from Maria. You two are *unbelievable*. This is not about you…not about what you want. This is about what they want. And right now…(looking at Max)…Liz wants you sitting in that damn chair beside her bed and Maria…(turning to face Michael)…wants you to support her through this.
Michael (quietly): They have Alex.
Isabel (at the end of her rope): Do you hear yourself? Do you intentionally say incredibly stupid things or do they accidentally find their way out of your mouth, Michael? I’m done with you two. We stick together because *we* have to…they stick with us because they want to…and it’s their choice if they don’t want to anymore - not *yours*…neither of yours. (She lets out an exasperated sigh, spins on her heels, and slams the door on her way out. Michael and Max look briefly at each other and then Max gets up and leaves the apartment.)
(Scene: Hospital Hallway, sometime later. Maria exits the elevator wearing her uniform and looking beat. She walks down the hallway and enters a room. She gives Nancy a hug and hands Jeff some papers from the café. She gives Liz a kiss on the forehead and then leaves the room, heading back to the elevator. When passing the waiting room she looks in the windows and stops walking. Letting out a deep breath, she pushes the doors open and enters. Max sitting with his head in his hands looks up when the doors open. He quickly looks away from Maria.)
Max: Maria, I really don’t want…
Maria (coming farther into the room and sitting down across from Max): I don’t really care about what you want, do I, Max? I’m not here for you…I’m here for her…like you should be.
Max (letting out a sigh): You don’t understand.
Maria: No, I don’t think *you* understand. (Max just looks over at her) You wanna take a step back…then you take a step back, Max. But you think about this…and I mean *think* about it. Because if you do this…that’s it, buddy…the end. I don’t want to see your face at the Crashdown…I don’t want to see you talk to Liz - ever…and don’t even think about looking at her like you have any right to care about her. Do you get me? Can you do that, Max? Can you walk away?
Max (resting his head in his hands again): I don’t know…I need to do what’s best for her.
Maria (shaking her head): No, you need to do what’s best for you and let Liz worry about what’s best for her. Do you think she’s stupid? (Max quickly looks up at her) She knew what she was getting into…she’s had a lot of chances to back out of this. For a while there…I thought she was stupid - I mean pining away for a guy who’s been proven to break your heart…but she said you were worth it. Are you? Prove me wrong here, Max.
Max: I can’t let her get hurt anymore.
Maria: Look…I know you love her…and I know you think by doing this you’re protecting her…but you forget...she doesn’t need your protection - she just needs you…but as much as she needs you…you need her more. (Getting up from the chair and walking over to the door) Think about it, Max…this is your last chance - you don’t get any more. (She walks through the doors and Max returns his head to his hands.)
(Scene: Returns to Liz and River Dog sitting across the fire.)
Liz (looking at the fire): He thinks this is helping…that he’s protecting me…but it’s only hurting.
River Dog (said as a statement not a question): So you’re here to make him hurt.
Liz: I want him to see.
River Dog: See?
Liz: That this isn’t a burden, an obligation for me…that *he* isn’t those things…and that I shouldn’t be those things to him. He can’t see that…he sees only this obligation to protect me and…and I don’t want it…I don’t need it.
River Dog (smiling at her, knowing what she’s not saying): So you came here to show him. (She doesn’t look at him) No…you came here to make *him* choose. (She slowly raises her eyes to River Dog’s smiling ones)
Liz: He needs time. (River Dog smiles and nods at her impressed by her thinking) And I need to know what I’m going back to.
River Dog: Does it matter?
Liz: Yes…and no.
River Dog: You’ll leave here with everything you came with.
Liz (softly): Almost everything…I think…I think I’d leave my love…
River Dog: Is that your choice?
Liz (almost panicky): Do I have to choose now? (River Dog smiles at her and then slowly vanishes from the dream…music starts: Plumb - Stranded. She becomes officially panicky, stands up and looks around her. As soon as she steps out of the circle of rocks they - along with the fire - disappear and she’s left in the dark with only the bright silvery light from the symbols. She looks around, breathing heavily. All of a sudden she stops and turning around quickly, she sees him standing a few yards away from her. They stare at each other for what seems like hours. Liz’s closes her eyes and takes in several deep breaths. She hesitantly re-opens them and he’s still standing in the dream…in a whisper of raw emotion) Max.